Harrison County Disaster Recovery Center to Close; Disaster Assistance Still Readily Available 

Release Date: October 13, 2008
Release Number: 1794-013

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Gustav

LONG BEACH, Miss. -- The Hurricane Gustav Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) operating at 2600 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, Miss., will close permanently at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, due to reduced activity, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency officials announced today.

"It's important that disaster victims in Harrison County know that even though our Harrison County DRC is closing, assistance is still available at the Hancock County DRC, St. Augustine Retreat Center, 510 North 2nd Street in Bay Saint Louis, and through FEMA's toll-free Helpline," said  Michael L. Parker, FEMA's federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "FEMA remains a committed partner to the State of Mississippi and Mississippians as they recover from this disaster."

The number for the FEMA Helpline is the same as the registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3662) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for individuals with a hearing- or speech-impairment.

MEMA Director, Mike Womack, urges all Harrison County residents who were affected by Hurricane Gustav and have registered with FEMA but have questions about their application to visit the DRC in Gulfport before it closes Oct. 17. "If residents are unable to visit the DRC before it closes, they can receive the same service at the Hancock County DRC or by calling FEMA's Helpline."

The DRCs were established to provide detailed program information to those who have already applied for assistance. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies are on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information.

Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to discuss disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Anyone unable to go to a DRC should call the SBA Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-800-659-2955 for information and assistance. Storm victims also can visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The SBA also has a secure Web site at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply online for disaster loans.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 14-Oct-2008 10:25:59